Birmingham Parent May/June 2021

T H E P R E M I E R PA R E N T I N G M AG A Z I N E F O R C E N T R A L A L A B A M A

MAY / JUNE 2021

10 GREAT SUMMER FUN DESTINATIONS MOTHER’S DAY & FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE MAKE YOUR SUMMER SHINE ON COLLEGE APPS

TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT GULF SHORES

WHAT SAT & ACT CHANGES MEAN FOR STUDENTS

TEACHING KIDS TO EARN & MANAGE MONEY

Planning for College & Career, lanning for College & Career, page. 15

PAGE 15

Dance South

ShowStoppers Dance Company

205-678-4414

150 Hull Road, Country Village Suite 6, Sumiton, AL 35148

316 Foothills Drive, Chelsea, Al 35043

Now registering for-

SUMMER CLASSES STARTING June 21

PRINCESS CAMP, Ages 5-7 June 21 -24 SUMMER INTENSIVE JULY 12th – 15th

FALL CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 9TH

dancesouth.com

Miss Kelley's School of Dance Trussville location - 205-655-7776 Oneonta location - 205-625-6791

Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet and Clogging

SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR AGES 2 AND OLDER STARTING JUNE 14.

REGISTER FOR THE NEW DANCE YEAR THAT STARTS AUGUST 9TH. showstoppersdanceco.com shondra@showstoppersdanceco.com

5678 Dance & more 5766 US-11 Springville, AL 35146

205-467-0388

Now registering for: Princess Camp Summer & Fall Classes

Registering now for Summer and Fall classes Dance-Voice-Beginning Piano

www.misskelleys.com

http://www.5678danceandmore.org/

Come be a part of our dance family!

2 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

Breathe Easy Air Quality

Does Your Child Suffer From Allergies?

Find Out What You Can Do To Relieve Their Suffering. Call Now and Discover How Your Family Can Breathe Easy.

Breathe Easy Air Quality

(205) 444-4444 Licensed & Certified #AL 10184

birminghamparent.com | 3

ed note

A Covid-less Summer?

This time last year, we were knee-deep in Covid-19 precautions, as we were learning how serious and widespread the virus was. We had no idea that the same time in 2021 we would still be faced with many obstacles around the virus.

This time last year, Birmingham Parent was facing a tough choice – to print or not to print. Businesses and distribution spots for the magazine were closed, unfortunately some for good. Some businesses, such as health care, hospitals, etc. were not closed, but didn’t want to take the magazine because of the chance of spreading germs through touch. We had advertisers relying on us. We needed to get a magazine out.

So, for the first time in our then-16-year history, we made the decision not to print a May/June 2020 issue. You won’t find copies of this anywhere in any library – because there are none, other than a handful I printed for office access. But we did publish; we published our first all online issue for May/June 2020. You can still read it here at https://issuu.com/ birminghamparent/docs/bp_mayjune2020_final/1?e=13526515/80525945.

We advertised it all over the place – social media, in particular, to try to get the word out to read it online. And you, our loyal readers, followed us and read along with us online.

THANK YOU, truly, from the bottom of our hearts.

What did we do? We improvised, just like so many businesses and services did and continue to do, and just like all of you are having to still do personally.

We are starting to see a few more live events at this stage, many more store and restaurant openings, and more entertainment and museum venues open up, with restrictions. We have still paused OUR events out of an abundance of caution. We have offered virtual events – Camp Expo, Special Needs Expo and this August, Happy Healthy Kids Fair – with a good response. We hope to bring you our popular live events soon.

And we resumed printing with the July/August 2020 issue and have been printing ever since, adjusting our distribution and finding new places to get the magazine to you. Of course, you can still read it online at www.birminghamparent.com. (If you’d like to distribute the magazine at your place of business, we’d love to hear from you at info@birminghamparent.com.)

What does the summer hold? None of us really know. We hope and pray that Covid will start to go away.

Whatever we need to do, we are doing our best to find creative and innovative ways to do it, and we will be here with you and our advertisers to support and inform you, all summer and the rest of 2021!

Happy Summer! Happy Mother’s Day, and Happy Father’s Day!

Carol Muse Evans publisher/editor carol@birminghamparent.com

ABOUT THE EDITORS: Carol Muse Evans is the publisher/editor/owner of Birmingham Parent magazine, a publication she and her husband David began in 2004. The Birmingham, Alabama-based parenting publication attracts more than 60,000 readers monthly in a four-county area and receives 10,000 hits per month on its website. The magazine has a 20,000+ print circulation, plus several thousand in readership of the digital edition online. It is the only independently audited free publication in our area. Evans is an award-winning writer and editor who has also has written for several other publications as a freelance writer since the late 80s. She is a graduate of Auburn University in journalism and is a graduate of Scottsboro High School. She is married with two grown children and lives in Alabaster.

She is a member of Alabama Press Association and Southeastern Advertisers and Publishers Association (SAPA).

Lori Chandler Pruitt is associate editor of Birmingham Parent. She also is a freelancer for Business Alabama magazine and has written/edited for several other publications. This award-winning writer and editor is a graduate of the University of Alabama in news/editorial and Hueytown High School.

She is married with two children.

4 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

P.O. Box 326 (add 800 Hwy. 52 E. for pkg) Helena, AL 35080 205-624-2405 205-403-5224 FAX www.birminghamparent.com

editorial PUBLISHERS David & Carol Evans EDITOR Carol Muse Evans ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lori Chandler Pruitt CONTRIBUTORS Paige Townley International College Counselors Christina Stoops, DO, MPH, FAAP Sarah Lyons Tanni Haas, Ph.D. Katy M. Clark

sales

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Tom Gonzales SR. MARKETING CONSULTANT Kayla Fricks MARKETING CONSULTANT Stacey Spence

art & production ART DIRECTOR Keith Dunn DISTRIBUTION T&P Deliveries LEGAL COUNSEL Balch & Bingham LLP

BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN200694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent is © 2019 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2019/2020

by Evans Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial submissions are welcome. For back issues, please send a self-addressed 10” x 13” envelope with $4 for postage and handling.

Elevate. Enrich. Explore.

TWO-WEEK BOARDING CAMP | RISING 8TH–9TH GRADERS

Elevate, enrich, and explore at McCallie’s Summer Academy. Sharpen your fundamentals in math, reading and writing while still having a blast this summer.

mccalliesummercamps.com/msa

Soccer Boarding Camp

JULY 11–15, 2021

RISING 5TH–9TH GRADE BOYS | $595 ALL-INCLUSIVE Strengthen technical and tactical abilities and have plenty of fun, led by back-to-back State Champ Soccer Coach Chris Cushenbery. Play hard, make friends and enjoy the amenities on our gorgeous campus in the mountains of Tennessee for the #BestSummerEver!

S U M M ER C AM P S

C H AT TA NOO G A ,T N mccalliesummercamps.com birminghamparent.com | 5

COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE This Planning for College & Career Special Section 2021 is full of great information if you have a child going off to college now, or you are planning for the future. Keep this section all year long for reference, and remember you can always access it at www.birminghamparent.com.

15 our focus MOTHER’S DAY/FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE ................................. 12 BUSYKID: TEACHING KIDS TO EARN & MANAGE MONEY.............23 5 TIPS TO KEEP KIDS READING THIS SUMMER...............26 SUMMER FUN TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT GULF SHORES ........................................28 25 AMAZING BIRTHDAY PARTY LOCATIONS.....................................32 10 GREAT SUMMER FUN DESTINATIONS..............................34

28

our features

19 9 22

our regulars EDITOR’S NOTE: A COVID-LESS SUMMER?...............................................4 SHORT STUFF......................................8 ASK THE SPECIALIST: PARENT’S GUIDE TO THE NICU...................... 40 MAY/JUNE 2021 CALENDAR OF EVENTS .................................... 43

COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE.................................................... 15 WHAT SAT AND ACT CHANGES MEAN FOR STUDENTS.................. 16 MAKE YOUR SUMMER SHINE ON COLLEGE APPLICATIONS.... 18 10 LESSONS ABOUT COLLEGE ADMISSIONS THAT COVID-19 HAS TAUGHT US.............................20 APPLYING TO COLLEGE 101....... 22

43

ON THE COVER: Foster, age 11, of Hoover, a 2020 Cover Kids Search winner, is having a blast at Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure, opening May 15. ON THE INTERIOR COVER: Kindergarten graduation is just a step toward Planning for College & Career (starting on page 15) for Natalie, age 5, also of Hoover. Photos by Christy Pierce photography, 205-902-0385; www.christypiercephotographyllc.com.

6 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

At Gaylord Opryland Resort, your summer possibilities are endless. Become an honorary pirate or princess

MORE ADVENTURE

for the day, enjoy the sun and surf at SoundWaves – our upscale indoor/outdoor water attraction, dine at our many unique restaurants, explore our airy atriums, or even do it all!

EXPERIENCE MORE AT GaylordOpryland.com

MORE THRILLS

birminghamparent.com | 7

S H O RT STU FF Children’s Book Tackles Adapting to An Ostomy

Campbell and Quincy

With warm, colorful, and inviting illustrations by Ana-Maria Cosma, My Silly Illy is a 23-page book that highlights positives of having an ostomy, affectionately called Illy, and explains that having an “Illy” does not have to hold anyone back in life. For children who have recently undergone surgery, be it for a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, Campbell Dwyer’s book helps to make their experience a bit less frightening and a bit more fun— for children and parents alike!

Dwyer is a North Carolina native who now calls Pennsylvania home along with Quincy, her four-legged sidekick. When writing My Silly Illy, Dwyer used her own experience with having an ostomy to give children the right type of support and encouragement. By the age of four, Dwyer had already gone through three major, open abdominal surgeries and would experience many more throughout her life, but they never managed to slow her down!

It was after her tenth surgery that Dwyer felt compelled to speak up regarding this often-quieted disease, providing the reassurance she would have loved to hear; there is nothing to be ashamed of, and there is nothing holding you back! As her book proudly proclaims, “It takes guts for anyone to face life’s adventures, but with the support of an ostomy, we can conquer anything!” My Silly Illy is available on Kindle, Amazon and Barnes and Noble for $21.99 hardback.

The 10th Annual Sozo Children Run for a Reason 5K to Continue as a Virtual Race for 2021

Sozo Children announces the 10th Annual Run for a Reason 5k which will be held during the week of May 9-15, 2021. The charity 5K benefitting Sozo Children, a Birmingham-based ministry serving the needs of vulnerable children in Uganda, will take place virtually and allow varying levels of participation.

Runners can enroll online, challenge friends through social media, and compete for prizes virtually. Sozo is one of a growing number of charities around the nation converting traditional marathons to virtual runs where runners can participate for fun or compete for prizes by setting their own routes and reporting official times online. Proceeds for the run will support at risk children in Uganda and some of the local programs of the ministry.

5K participants can register online www.sozochildren.org/runforareason now and throughout the event. Each participant will receive a swag packet including a Sozo Run for a Reason shirt regardless of whether they are running for fun or competitively.

Birthdays in Birmingham Your local birthday party resource Loved by Parents since 1997

birthdaysinbirmingham.com Places to Go  Entertainment Party Supplies & Rentals  Facilities  Coupons 8 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

SEEING CLEARLY STARTS HERE Call and schedule an appointment today.

Now accepting Blue Cross, Davis, Superior, Spectera, Met Life, All Kids, Cigna, Tri Care, Avesis and many other insurance plans.

205-987-2308 | www.dayeyecenter.com 2122 Old Montgomery Hwy. | Pelham, AL 35124

Magic City Acceptance Academy Opens Fall 2021

The Magic City Acceptance Academy (MCAA), a new, tuition-free public charter school, is accepting enrollment applications via www.magiccityacceptanceacademy.org. It will open fall of 2021.

This charter school is a collaborative effort between Birmingham AIDS Outreach, FARRIS Properties/Developer, Scott Burnett/ CCR Architecture and Interiors and Brasfield-Gorrie/ General Contractor.

MCAA has received financial support through the application process and those who believe in the school’s mission and vision. New Schools for Alabama and the NewSchools Venture Fund have collectively awarded $1.8 million in grant funding. Likewise, the Mike & Gillian Goodrich Foundation has awarded $50,000 in funding to support the school.

The school is under construction in Homewood with a completion date of August 2021. MCAA will serve grades 6-12 with an estimated 250-350 students. Students from across the state are eligible to attend. Learn more at www.magiccityacceptanceacademy.org.

We Move Together Introduces Disability “Justice”

AK Press has announced the new one-of-a-kind new kids book that introduces disability justice to young readers (and their grown-ups) in a fun and non-didactic way. We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch, Anne McGuire and Eduardo Trejos, is a bold and colorful exploration of all the ways that people navigate through the spaces around them and a celebration of the relationships we build along the way. It follows a mixed-ability group of kids as they creatively negotiate everyday barriers and find joy and connection in disability culture and community. A perfect tool for families, schools and libraries to facilitate conversations about disability, accessibility, social justice and community building.

Includes a kid-friendly glossary (for ISBN: 9781849354042, $16).

ADVERTISE HERE! CALL 205-624-2405

to find out how.

birminghamparent.com | 9

10 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

Look up as OWA’s events reach new heights all month long! Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival at OWA—then come back for a fireworks spectacular Memorial Day weekend! Two new arrivals in early summer: Aqua Play inflatable obstacle course at Gravity Island, and explore the fiery heart of Mexico at El Diablo Taqueria and Cantina! Make your plan at VisitOWA.com!

FOLEY, AL | 7 MILES FROM THE BEACH | VISITOWA.COM | 251.923.2111

THRILL, THEN CHILL.

May 6 – 9, 2021 Coosa Landing

90 Walnut St. • Gadsden, AL 35901 • greatergadsden.com

1-888-565-0411

1-256-549-0351

@GreaterGadsden

birminghamparent.com | 11

Mother’sGDay/Father ’ s Day IFT GUIDE BIRMINGHAM PARENT'S

We’ve got an array of great and affordable products to share for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day!

Compiled by Carol Muse Evans

$16.95 (paperback) – The ABC’s of Being Mom: Advice and Support from the Mom Next Door, Birth through Kindergarten

Moms enter the world of motherhood with no sense of the impact that it will have upon them. The ABC’s of Being Mom, with its abundance of wisdom acquired directly from the trenches of motherhood struggles, is that roadmap.

The author, Karen Bongiorno, was a mother of two children, a daughter and a son, who have both graduated from college and launched independently. Before motherhood, she had a career in private banking in Los Angeles and on Wall Street in New York. Her child-raising years were often filled with worry and the overriding question of “now what?!” This book is her answer to those concerns. Bongiorno recently passed away at age 61 after a sudden illness. Available at www.amazon.com and www.bookshop.org.

$8 and up – Colorful Bamboo Kitchen Gadgets Bright, bold colors make a statement in kitchens and on tables.

Crafted from PAKKAwood, these eye-catching kitchen implements and serving ware are made to withstand the test of time, and, with proper care, will last a lifetime. Durable, water-resistant, color patterns will not leach into foods, stain, odor and heat resistant. Hand wash only. Available in rainbow, peacock, blue, black, red and natural. Available at www.amazon.com and fine grocery retailers.

$28 – SallyeAnder Hand & Foot Therapy Set

$14.95 – TENZI Games

These heavy-duty hand and foot therapy creams are super concentrated and have a strong scent from the effective mixture of herbs and essential oils. The set includes a pumice stone that works at removing calluses. Available at https://sallyeander.com/ collections/gift-sets/products/hand-and-foot-therapy-set.

The “World’s Fastest Dice Game” is fun and easy to learn for anyone ages 7 to 97! There are instructions for nine different ways to play, including Splitzi, Mega Tenzi and Tenzi Towers. It’s perfect for any family game night, birthday party, sleepover or play date.

Includes four sets of 10 colored dice and storage cube. Available at www.amazon.com.

12 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021 2020

PROD U CTS W E LOV E

$99.99 – Drinkmate Countertop Carbonator Drinkmate Countertop™ is the ONLY at-home beverage carbonator that allows the user to carbonate ANYTHING in the fridge. Patented and detachable Fizz infuser and dual-stage valve system allows better control on release of CO2.

Easy to operate and clean, with no electricity or batteries required. Quick-connect bottle is BPA-free with volume mark line. Available in matte black, royal red and ivory white at www.amazon.com.

$129 – Coral UV LED Sanitizer and Dryer Effectively cleaning items we use every day such as mobile phones, face masks, car keys, etc., is an important part of maintaining a healthy home and lifestyle. The new Coral UV LED Sanitizer and Dryer (available in June 2021) utilizes 12 powerful LED lights to eliminate 99 percent of bacteria and viruses.

Available at https://www.kickstarter.com/ projects/486082623/coral-uv-2-all-purpose-uv-sanitizer-with-dual-protection and www.amazon.com.

$28 – Vinoice Wine Chiller This wine chiller keeps wine at the optimum drinking temperature, allows for drip-free pouring with one hand, a gravity lid and soft rubber stopper for a tight seal. It can be used with red or white wines and easily cleaned with warm water. Available at www.amazon.com.

$28 – Cork Pops Legacy Wine Opener This wine opener uses a low-pressure inert gas to gently pop the cork from the bottle. It comes with a cartridge that will open 60 to 80 bottles of wine and is designed to fit all traditional wine bottles and flanged lip bottles.

Available at www.amazon.com.

birminghamparent.com | 13

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because Hugh has a long list of stuff he wants to do.

WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

Children’s of Alabama is dedicated to helping kids live the most fulfilling life possible. We put in a lot of time and training to make that happen.

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 | ChildrensAL.org

The winners have been chosen! in the 2021 Birmingham Parent’s Family Favorites Awards!

READ ABOUT THE WINNERS IN THE JULY/AUGUST 2021 ISSUE!

TWO LUCKY WINNERS of a OWA Getaway or a Gatlinburg Getaway will be announced!

SPONSORED BY

14 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

Photo by Christy Pierce Photography

COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

16 What SAT and ACT Changes Mean for Students 18 Make Your Summer Shine on College Applications 20 10 Lessons About College Admissions that Covid-19 Has Taught Us 22 Applying to College 101

birminghamparent.com | 15

COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

What SAT and ACT Changes Mean for Students Courtesy of International College Counselors

Without a doubt, some of you have already seen the recent news about colleges extending their SAT and ACT test-optional policy for 2022, and heard about the changes to the SAT. A lot of you are cheering the changes!

scores, colleges will be looking to compensate for this missing information elsewhere.

So, with test scores gone, other parts of the "holistic application review" will count more.

The backstory: In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult or impossible for many students to take the ACT and the SAT, a large majority of colleges chose to institute temporary (or, in some cases, permanent) test-optional policies. These schools included every Ivy League university, most large public universities, and many liberal arts colleges.

Some insight • Students must continue to take rigorous courses and focus on strong grades. A student's grades, and the strength of their courses, remain the most significant factor in college admission decisions.

• College essays will increase in importance. These are a significant piece of the application, and some colleges have added additional essays to their application process. Essays measure writing ability and offer a window into a student's background.

Admission officers want to hear an original voice and read writing that shines.

• Letters of recommendations will count more. Naturally, students who are attending school virtually will find it harder to build a relationship with their teachers. We recommend students attend teacher's office hours, make sure to talk online and participate in class.

• Reap extra points by demonstrating interest, as colleges want to admit students who will enroll. Students have many options to make positive contact with colleges. Go on virtual tours, attend information sessions,

Currently: A number of colleges, including several Ivies, are declaring test-optional policies for the Class of 2022. Many colleges, even those which thought they'd return to the test, will remain test-optional. The SAT itself is dropping the optional essay section.

Also eliminated, effective immediately, are the SAT Subject Tests, which were hourlong, multiple-choice exams in various subjects.

What students and parents need to know: Universities say that the application review process will remain relatively unchanged.

However, without the data from the test 16 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

and connect with the schools you plan to apply to on social media. Many colleges track each interaction.

• Stand out with extracurricular activities.

Take advantage of the myriad virtual options, including community service options.

Check this Fair Test List, www.fairtest. org/university/optional, for a list of every school that will be test-optional, test-flexible, or test-blind for the high school class of 2022. To clarify, a test-optional school accepts but does not require test scores; a test-flexible school is one that allows a student to submit test scores other than the SAT or ACT (such as Subject Test, AP or IB scores); and a test-blind school is one that will not consider any test scores from any student, even if a student submits them.

However, note that some colleges require students who apply for merit aid or honors programs, and/or students applying to particular programs (such as BS/MD programs) to submit an SAT or ACT score even if the college is otherwise test-optional. Check the policies for each school/program of choice.

Used by permission. For any and all help with the college admissions process, contact International College Counselors. Visit http://internationalcollegecounselors.com/ or call 1-954-414-9986.

75% of recent seniors

CONDUCTED INTERNSHIPS

250+

COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS LEADERS MENTOR STUDENTS

88% of students engage in

COMMUNITY

SERVICE

9

tuition exchange

PARTNERS WORLDWIDE

TOP 10 colleges that lead to

GRADUATE

SCHOOL

YOU'LL FIND MORE THAN A COLLEGE ON

EXPLORATION

TERM 2021

N

TURED I EA

F

the hilltop

4

WEEKS OF

YOU’LL FIND A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY. One of the

BSC

TOP

Birmingham-Southern College

bsc.edu

20 BEST VALUE schools in the U.S.

birminghamparent.com | 17

COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

Make Your Summer Shine on College Applications Courtesy of International College Counselors

The ways that students spend their time over the summer can make them more attractive to colleges. Participating in the right kinds of activities provides evidence that high school students are actively exploring and developing their interests. Even playing video games can be an option, if your student plans to earn a degree in e-sports or displays enough talent to qualify for an e-sports scholarship.

18 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021 18 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

Here are five ways students can successfully show that they've used their summer wisely: 1. Develop core interests/bolster current activities. There are hundreds of summer programs and internships that satisfy almost every interest, and many of them are being offered online. From theatre and music to STEM and debate, students have plenty of ways to gain valuable experience.

2. Explore personal interests. Traveling to a foreign country fits into this category, but things are different this year. Other great options include starting a business, mastering a language or an art, participating in research, further a personal interest, or

joining a community service organization.

3. Gain first-hand work experience.

Working at a job or internship demonstrates commitment, responsibility, and maturity.

Plus, internships and jobs can help students choose a career path or discover new strengths or interests. These options can be both in-person or virtual/remote. Remote internships are most common for internetfriendly jobs such as marketing, scientific research, design, tutoring, virtual event planning, service support, writing and tech.

4. Acquire new knowledge. Students can take classes in almost any subject: cybersecurity, marine biology, fashion design, entrepreneurship, and thousands

r e m m u s ug us t 7, 20 21 s | Ju ne 7 - A se as cl y kl ee ca m ps & w

2021 SEASON begins Sept. 7 Live piano accompaniment •Movement to Music•Ballet• •Just for Boys•Modern• •Jazz•Hip Hop• Musical Theatre•Tap

Call or register online for summer and the 2021-2022 Season!

205.870.0073 thedancefoundation.org 1715 27th Ct S, Homewood more. Websites like edX, Coursera, Udemy and Harvard offer free online courses. Students who want to earn a certificate or want to receive feedback on assignments will have to pay a fee; otherwise, many of these courses are free. Students can also take college classes for credit.

Most of these classes will be offered online with a few exceptions. A select number of colleges are still offering residential pre-college programs for high school students this summer where students can get a glimpse of college life by living on campus.

5. Acquire leadership experience and new skills. Camp offers students a break from school, a chance to be active, and the opportunity to unplug from electronics. Students can explore their interests, learn new skills and gain leadership experience. A summer job as a camp counselor can be a great way to make money and build valuable job skills, especially for students interested in education, child psychology, speech pathology, social work, or camp director. Numerous camps are still offering the traditional experience this summer.

Start planning summer now, especially if your student would like to attend a summer program. Even though many of these programs will be offered online, some of these applications can be as complex as a college application, requiring essays, letters of recommendation, and even test scores, so get started soon.

For any and all help with identifying productive summer plans for high school students and/or the college admissions process, contact the college admissions Counselors at International College Counselors at http:// internationalcollegecounselors.com or 1-954-414-9986.

Where all the dental needs of your child can be met under one roof!

Dr. Olga Sanchez Hernandez is dual trained and board certified as a pediatric dentist and orthodontist.

4814 Bell Hill Road, Bessemer, AL 35022 205-477-8004 like us on facebook Follow us on

Instagram @mopdsmiles

WE FILE ALL INSURANCE AS A COURTESY. WE ARE PROVIDERS FOR MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES. birminghamparent.com | 19

COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

10 Lessons About College Admissions that COVID-19 Has Taught Us In March 2020, schools began closing because of COVID-19. Since then, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the education of millions of high school and college students.

Colleges, universities, and high schools alike have had to adapt, and many of these adaptations will likely have long-term effects on the future of education. As we reach the end of the school year, we take the time to reflect on what we have learned.

Lesson 1: Test-optional policy changes the playing field. Most colleges suspended testing requirements this year, and many students took advantage. While it is difficult 20 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

to completely discern if the test optional policy change was wholly responsible for more applicants identifying as firstgeneration, low-income, rural, AfricanAmerican, Hispanic, and/or Latino students, the short-term success in creating more diverse and equitable admissions is undeniable. These results indicate that a permanent test-optional policy could create more equity in admissions. The advisors at International College Counselors worked closely with families determining to which colleges students should submit their test scores, and to which colleges scores should be withheld. These decisions were very strategic. Since many colleges will be testoptional next year as well, we will continue advising our families on a school-by-school basis.

and multiracial persons. First generation students at Harvard will represent approximately 21% of the Class of 2025, with more than 60% identifying as people of color.

Lesson 2: Colleges are looking to diversify their student body. The Class of 2025 will be one of the most diverse classes ever at many schools. At Princeton, nearly 25% of students admitted this year were first-generation (children of parents who did not have a bachelor’s degree). And, more than 66% of the U.S. citizens or permanent residents who were admitted identified as people of color, including biracial

Lesson 4: If financially possible, apply Early Decision. Because of the pandemic, colleges faced staggering financial losses.

One way that colleges eased this pressure was to accept even more students during the Early Decision rounds. Students applying Early Decision are committed to attend that school if they are admitted, which means that often, students who need to compare financial aid among schools do not apply

Lesson 3: College costs are out of control. This year’s seniors changed how they applied and where they applied.

Students included more in-state colleges to avoid both long-distance travel and having to pay private college costs for online classes. College expenses continue to rise, with some colleges’ tuition, room and board, and fees now exceeding $81,000 per year. Doing research is more important than ever to find colleges that meet family needs with a range of price points, locations, and selectivity.

"The Class of 2025 will be one of the most diverse classes ever at many schools".

ED. Though this is not “fair,” it is still true that Early Decision almost always gives students an advantage. This year proved that more than ever.

Lesson 5: Don’t waste your Early Decision. As students can only apply to one school Early Decision, families should strongly consider focusing on a realistic reach rather than an impractical one. The odds of getting in during the early round are higher, but, as seen this year especially, it’s not an opportunity to waste. Moreover, if a student is not accepted Early Decision I, they should consider Early Decision II at a different college.

Lesson 6: More applications result in long waitlists. One result of the surge in applications was that colleges had a more difficult time predicting their yield – the percentage of admitted applicants who actually enroll. Colleges will continue to rely on waitlists as a way to hedge against over-enrollment and to determine student interest. We do expect that colleges will be going to their waitlists! If you have been waitlisted and do not know what to do, please reach out to one of our expert college advisors for help.

Lesson 7: The list of ultra-competitive and competitive colleges expanded. Many, many more colleges in the United States are showcasing acceptance rates at 25% or lower. Schools that were once considered “easy” to get into are only accepting students at the top of their classes. Students aiming for these top colleges must do well in rigorous courses, and find ways to stand out in the admissions process. That said, a college’s selectivity does not reflect its quality nor whether it’s a good fit for your student.

Lesson 8: School lists should and must expand. With acceptance rates in the single digits for some schools, students need to both diversify and expand their lists. We did not see many students who got into numerous top colleges. This year, our top applicants were happy if they got into 1-3 of the exceptionally competitive colleges.

Lesson 9: Vaccination requirements are trending. More U.S. colleges are requiring students to get the COVID vaccine before returning to campus. Rutgers announced in late March that vaccinations will be required, and now several other schools, including Cornell, Brown, Syracuse, Northeastern, and Notre Dame have made similar announcements. Colleges will be releasing more information over the summer, and we expect to see this trend continue. Students going to college in the fall must know their school’s policies.

Lesson 10: You are not alone. Students and families around the world are experiencing feelings of frustration surrounding the unprecedented admissions environment this year. Colleges, too, feel the stress. Have a younger student? Consider a college counselor-we’ll keep you sane while staying ahead of NEXT year’s trends.

Know a family who needs help navigating the college admissions journey? We welcome them to contact us at: http://www. internationalcollegecounselors.com or call 1-954-414-9986.

COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

BIRMINGHAMSOUTHERN COLLEGE At Birmingham-Southern College, we’re committed to offering you the hands-on experiences you’ll need to succeed, no matter what field you choose. Internships, research, and service-learning are built into the curriculum. Our unique January term gives you four weeks of flexibility to pursue your dreams, and our small classes and intensive advising mean your professors will get to know you.

At BSC, you’ll find your own path, all while building the skills today’s employers want. You'll experience learning in a new way, tackle challenges you never imagined, then take what you learn beyond the classroom. Our students are among the very best, and our alumni exceed all expectations. U.S. senators, museum directors, prize-winning authors, NASA scientists, attorneys, entrepreneurs, physicians, and more credit BSC for their success.

They’re also eager to help you meet your goals.

With more than 50 areas of study – and new programs being added each semester — we have countless routes to your future. Come see why Forbes magazine puts BSC on its list of the top 100 colleges nationally for return on investment, and the book “Colleges That Change Lives” lists BSC among just 40 schools honored, calling it “what college ought to be.”

900 Arkadelphia Rd, Birmingham, AL 35254 www.bsc.edu (205) 226-4600

Courtesy of International College Counselors birminghamparent.com | 21

COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

Applying to College 101: Key Online Sites & Terms

By Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

The college application process starts in earnest in the fall. Whether your kid is a rising high school senior who’s just about to apply to college, or the process is several years away, it’s useful to know the key online websites that they’ll use and the most important terms. The process is entirely electronic and may be unfamiliar to many parents.

Major Application Sites There are three major websites for submitting college applications, in addition to the websites of individual colleges. The Common App (www.commonapp.org) is used by more than 800 colleges across the U.S. as well as selected colleges in Asia, Canada, and Europe. Applicants respond to questions that are “common” to all of the colleges, as well as questions chosen by each individual college to which the applicant is applying.

The Coalition App (www. coalitionforcollegeaccess.org) and the Universal College App (www. universalcollegeapp.com) are smaller, competing apps that are used by about 150 and 40 colleges, respectively. You can also apply for college via the web sites of individual colleges. Your high schooler should use that option if the colleges they’re interested in aren’t included on any of the larger sites.

Admissions Options Parents should be more familiar with the four 22 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

general admissions options: early decision, early action, regular decision, and rolling admission.

Early decision is the best option if your high schoolers have a favorite college that they want to attend over all other colleges.

The important factor is that the decision is binding, meaning that applicants must accept an offer of admission. Therefore, you can only make this choice for a single college.

Early action also signals real commitment to colleges; the main difference is that offers of admission are non-binding (as are those of regular decision and rolling admission). You can make this choice for more than one college. Both early decision and early actions have deadlines in the fall.

Regular admission is the option most applicants choose as the deadline is typically in the spring. This admission option gives them more time to get their applications in shape.

Rolling admission means that applications are evaluated as they’re received, and evaluations continue until all the spots for the incoming class are filled. This option has no set deadline.

Connecting the Application with their High School Record Once their applications are finished, your kids must “link” them to one of several online sites that high schools use to submit their high school records; only then is the process considered complete. The high school record includes the official description of

the high school (aka the “secondary school report”), letters of recommendation from the student’s guidance counselor and/or one or more teachers, and the student’s high school transcript.

Most high schools use one of four sites: Naviance, Overgrad, Parchment, and Scoir. Find out which site your kid’s high school uses and spend some time familiarizing yourself with it. Some of these sites also offer students opportunities to research colleges, estimate their chances of getting admitted, compare themselves to other applicants, calculate the costs, and add additional information about themselves such as uploading their resume.

Who’s There to Help?

You’re not alone in the college application process. Most high schools have guidance and college counselors who are there to guide your kids and you through the process.

Counselors typically work together but have distinct responsibilities: the guidance counselor is there to help your kid select the courses that best prepare them for college, while the college counselor helps them use the various college application sites. Contact your student’s high school to get the names of their guidance and college counselors.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences & Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

BUSYKID: Teaching Kids to Earn

By Paige Townley

By Paige Townley

& Manage Money

By Kimberly Blaker

Gregg M

urset, C

EO an d

creator

of B u s y K

id, and h

is family .

birminghamparent.com | 23

"BusyKid is an app that makes it easy for parents to teach their children a strong work ethic and money management skills".

One of the many important lessons that parents must teach their children is about money. That includes all about earning it, saving it, and spending it. That task, however, is not always an easy one. In fact, it can be quite a struggle to teach children the value of a dollar and how to actually earn it.

That was certainly an issue for Birmingham dad Drew McBride as he tried to teach his two children, Anderson and Madelyn. Like many parents, McBride created a list of chores for his children, though it was always hard to keep track of their completion and then actually pay them when they were done, much less help them keep track of their money and learn how they should spend it once they had it. “I tried to find an app that would help assign and track their chores, but I could never find anything that really worked well,” he says. “But then I found BusyKid.” BusyKid is an app that makes it easy for parents to teach their children a strong work ethic and money management skills.

“I like to describe it as your kid’s first job with direct deposit,” says Gregg Murset, CEO and creator of BusyKid. “I say that because while they are young, they obviously can’t get a ‘real job,’ but they need to learn how to work way before they ever go get their first real job so that they have the skillset. Our app makes that happen.”

Murset, a Certified Financial Planner, came up with the idea for BusyKid as he worked for years with his clients.

Watching his successful clients make smart financial decisions over the years, he continued to think about how he hoped to instill those same qualities in his six children. “I wanted my kids to be like them – to work hard and be smart with their money,” Murset adds. “Money management and work ethic are fundamental life skills they will use their entire lives.

Every single day you make a million different life decisions, and if you are smart about them early on it makes a big difference. I knew I had to create something to help my kids learn do that.”

24 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

Not only did Murset want to create something to help his kids develop a strong work ethic and learn money management skills, but he also wanted to do so in a way that was easy to manage. That’s the simplicity behind BusyKid – it’s intuitive, easy to use, and includes all aspects of the process: assigning chores, paying kids when chores are completed, and then helping kids management their money.

“Implementing our system is really the start of a child’s financial education that they will use for a lifetime,” Murset says.

“Kids don’t get this kind of education at school. They get more the academic side, not the practical experience side, which is just as, if not more, important. Kids learn best by doing. It’s so easy to spend other people’s money, but when you change the paradigm for a kid and they have to start spending their own money, it’s a whole different story.”

With the paid subscription app, parents simply sign up, link their bank account, and begin assigning the chores for their child. The app has a variety of preloaded chores, but custom chores can be added, and the app even includes suggested payment prices for each type of chore. The child then works to complete the chores, and once they do, the parent can log in and send the payment through the app. “The app will keep track of all the chores and then at the end of the week will send the parent a notification reminding them that

it’s payday,” Murset explains. “If the child has done the chores, the parent can approve for payment to be pulled from their checking account and moved to the child’s account in the BusyKid system.”

Once the parent approves the payment and it’s sent, the app takes the earned money and divides it into different categories: save, donate, and spend. With saved money, children can literally invest in fractional shares of stock. Through the donate option, children can give to charities (always with a parent’s permission) and even their church. “Everything goes through the parent for approval, so parents can keep track of it all,” Murset says.

For the spend option, kids will receive their very own Visa® Prepaid Spend Card, which can be used anywhere Visa® is accepted. “It’s empowering for kids to hold that card and use it just like mom or dad does, especially when it’s money they actually earned themselves,” says Murset.

“It makes it special for a kid to be able to do that on their own. It’s also important for them to feel what it’s like to swipe that card and feel what it’s like to not be buying much but it’s taking so much of their own money.”

Parents can still track all spending done through the Spend Card, as well as reward their child with bonuses for outstanding performances or special situations. “It’s so important to teach our children these real-life experiences and what the real world is like,” Murset says.

“The app is all about teaching kids about earning and saving money in the same way you would with a job, and it does so in an easy to manage way. Gone are the days of piggy banks, jars, or envelopes. No more worrying with cash or coins because none of us carry it anymore. The app makes it so easy, and if we’re fairly consistent with this with our kids, it will totally change their financial lives forever.”

Paige Townley is a Birmingham-based freelance writer.

Let’s take a together!

- standfororphans.org – NO W OF FER ING CO VA VID-1 CC 9 INE S BH AM IN

WHat we treat MINOR ILLNESSES AND INJURIES SUCH AS: -Fever -Allergies -Coughs & Colds -Sprains & Strains -Vomiting -And More

ON-SITE SERVICES: -X-ray -Laboratory -Pharmacy

www.childrensurgent.com

OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR birminghamparent.com | 25

5 Tips to Keep Kids Reading This Summer

By Sarah Lyons

School is out for the summer and the kids are finally able to sleep in, play outdoors more, and take a break from homework. While the free time is enjoyable, kids often turn to screens or other activities and let their reading skills slide while on summer break. How can you stop the “summer slide” from happening?

doesn’t matter if it is a book or something more creative. Find other things besides just books to read such as graphic novels, magazines, or even audiobooks. You can even get kids into the kitchen and read recipes in the cookbook. They will enjoy helping prepare meals and not even notice they are practicing their reading skills at the same time.

Create a book club Two people reading a book at the same time can be considered a book club. Pick a book your child would like to read or an old favorite from your own childhood and read it together. If you have multiple children that are about the same reading level, this can be a great way to get everyone involved.

Pick interesting topics Find out what your child is interested in and check out books on that topic. My son became curious about volcanoes so we headed to the library and checked out multiple books on volcanoes. When we returned home, he promptly started reading about them and writing down interesting facts in his journal. You can also encourage your child to try different genres to see what they prefer. Once kids find their niche, they will most likely be more excited about reading.

See the movie Check out what books are becoming movies this summer or those that are already available on DVD and choose those books to read with your child. A reward for finishing the book will be watching the movie together.

Be a role model Parents who enjoy reading often have children who enjoy reading. I notice if I sit down in the living room with a book instead of turning on the TV, my tweens will often find their own spot to relax and read near me. If I turn on the television, we all end up watching it together. Set a good example for your kids when it comes to reading. It is a fun hobby as well.

Expand your reading Not all kids will find a book they love easily. The goal is to practice reading; it

26 26 || birminghamparent birminghamparent || may may // june june 2021 2021

Kids who make reading a part of their daily routine are more likely to become lifetime lovers of reading. Set aside part of the day each day when your child can read for 30 minutes or set this as a goal before they can play video games, meet up with friends, or go to the pool. Try to make it fun and come up with creative ways to incorporate reading into your daily schedule. Just a bit of daily reading will help them maintain their current reading levels and be ready to take on new material once school begins.

Sarah Lyons is a mother of six children, including six-year-old triplets. Her favorite pastime is reading, and she shares that love with her children.

For more information, visit By testing for lead at an early age, lead exposure can be identified and lead poisoning alabamapublichealth.gov/aclppp prevented through simple at-home strategies. or call 1-833-667-1495. birminghamparent.com

| 27

Summer Fun

TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT Gulf Shores

THIS SPRING & SUMMER

By Carol Muse Evans

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Photo by Carol Evans

right away to your social media! (www. thephotoopshop.com; www.facebook. com/thephotoopshopgs; 251-979-5223).

A “don’t miss” next time you go to Gulf Shores is the NEW Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo! The “Little Zoo that Could” is now in its new, expanded and beautiful, roomy location, complete with an amazing gift shop, restaurant, carousel and playground, several animal encounters options (we loved the sloths and the kangaroos) and so much more than before, thanks to contributions of great organizations and plenty of space.

Spend a few hours or a whole day. (www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com, www. facebook.com/AlabamaGulfCoastZoo, 251-256-7008).

You may want to spend a little time at The Wharf (https://alwharf. com/) in neighboring Orange Beach.

With restaurants, fun specialty shots, an arcade, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the Southeast and more, this can be an evening or day destination.

Two new activities there are Civil Axe Throwing (www.facebook.com/ CivilAxeOrangeBeach) and the Outer Limits VR Arcade (www.facebook.com/ vrfuntime) that just opened last year.

If your family is all about the great outdoors – biking, fishing, hiking and more, you should visit Gulf State Park, right across from the Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shores www.alapark.com/parks/ gulf-state-park; www.facebook.com/ GulfStatePark, (251-948-7275). You can “bike share” a bike there rather than renting or bringing your own for up to 3 hours. Beautiful trails and even camping

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Photo by Carol Evans

Gulf Shores, Alabama has been a classic, family-friendly beach destination for folks in Alabama and surroundings states for years, but every now and then it’s great to take a fresh look at this state gem and all the things it has to offer – some new, some old.

There just about isn’t a bad time to visit – but fall is special. It was still warm, the water was warm, but the heat was not oppressive and crowds were smaller wherever we went. As usual, the sand and water were as gorgeous as ever.

Of course, the beach is the main attraction in Gulf Shores. But when you want to get away for a few hours, a half day, get out of the sun, do something different or even due to rain, there are some fun activities worth considering.

We had a lot of fun painting – of all things, Christmas trees – at Hammer and Stain. This fun store hosts individuals or parties. Be sure to call ahead for hours open for walk-ins.

This shop is very kid-friendly, but adults can have fun too and take home a new hand-painted treasure (http:// hammerandstaingulfshores.com; 251-948-0483).

Just across from Hammer and Stain was a surprisingly fun shop called The Photo Op Shop. This is the place for selfies and family photos on your own.

Pay a small fee to go through all their backdrops and props for both funny and beautiful photos you can make and post

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Photo by Carol Evans

The Photo Opp Shop, Photo by Cathy Gant

birminghamparent| |may may / june 2021 2828| |birminghamparent / june 2021

Photos by Carol Evans – Anonyme Cruises Inc.

Summer Fun and rental cottages can be found here. There are also great educational opportunities from the same folks that serve area schools here.

No trip to the beach is complete without a sunset cruise, and Anonyme Cruises Inc. is your perfect host (www. facebook.comanonymecruises/, 251-2236673). You may encounter a dolphin or two, and you’ll see wildlife and beautiful homes and scenery along the way.

Before you go, be sure to check out some of the Coastal Crafters (www. gulfshores.com/things-to-do/coastalcrafters.) A great source for gifts, that special souvenir to take home and more.

For more information about Gulf Shores & Orange Beach tourism, visit wwww.gulfshores.com.

Carol Muse Evans is publisher/editor of Birmingham Parent.

WHERE TO STAY:

Harris Vacation Rentals 877-446-4853 or 951-948-3018 www.gulfshores.com/lodging/condo/ harris-vacation-rentals/ or https://ourgulfshoresvacation.com/ Our stay was at Pass Time Cottage, right on the bay and across the street from the beach, where we walked on a path right under the bridge and street, eliminating the need to cross a busy street. Beautifully appointed home with great views! Several of these homes share a nice pool.

WHAT TO DO:

The beach is the obvious thing to do in Gulf Shores, but there are all sorts of fun and unique things to do when you want a change of pace, need to get out of the sun or if it rains.

WHERE TO EAT: • Always check ahead. Some dinner locations may require reservations in prime tourism season. Some restaurants (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

will allow you to get on a wait list by phone or on social media.

Fresh Off the Boat 27627 Perdido Beach Blvd. Unit D1 Orange Beach, AL 36561 251-709-7079 Facebook.com/freshoba Amazing fresh seafood and other terrific entries for those no-seafood eaters.

Casual atmosphere with waterfront dining and can easily accommodate children.

Sometimes has live music.

Hazel’s Nook 120 E. Ft. Morgan Rd. Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251-968-7065 www.hazelsnook.com www.facebook.com/ hazelsnookgulfshores/ Get your yummy classic breakfast here in this old-style diner. Breakfasts to order or do the breakfast buffet. Lunch is served with great selections such as meat and threes and a lunch buffet.

Safari Club (at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo) 20499 Oak Rd. E. Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251-256-7007 www.safariclubgulfshores.com www.facebook.com/safariclubgulfshores/ This is a terrific restaurant when visiting the zoo, or for a special trip, as zoo admission is not required to go. Feel like you are eating on safari with the beautiful décor and fun options for kids. Eat on the patio! Internationally-inspired and fitting menu for a place with animals from around the world.

YoHo Rum and Tacos (at the Wharf) 4851 Wharf Pkwy. Ste. D116 Orange Beach, AL 36561 251-224-6500 www.yohorumandtacos.com/ www.facebook.com/YoHoRumandTacos A great change while visiting the Wharf.

Family friendly! Custom tacos, entrees and cocktails.

birminghamparent.com | 29

Summer Fun

Photo by Carol Evans, Harris Vacation Rentals, Pass Time Cottage

Brick & Spoon 24705 Canal Rd. Orange Beach, AL 36561 251-981-7772 www.brickandspoonrestaurant.com www.facebook.com/brickandspoonoba Another GREAT breakfast option! Tasty lunch, brunch and breakfast options. They do not take reservations.

Woodside Restaurant at Gulf State Park 20249 State Park Road Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251-923-2911 www.woodsideatgsp.com www.facebook.com/WoodsideRestaurantGSP/ A great stop for lunch when enjoying Gulf State Park. Order sandwiches, soups and more at the counter in a casual atmosphere. Great for children. Enjoy the dining room or eating on the screened in porch.

30 | | birminghamparent birminghamparent | | may may/ /june june2021 2021 30

Gulf State Park, courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

The Ruby Slipper Cafe 24151 Perdido Beach Blvd.

Orange Beach, AL 36561 Tel: (504) 723-0726 www.therubyslippercafe.net www.facebook.comRubySlipperOrangeBeach Great lunch, brunch and breakfast options, and very family friendly.

Gulf State Park, courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Carver's Steakhouse 25775 Perdido Beach Blvd Orange Beach, AL 36561 850-450-6682 www.carvershouse.com/ www.facebook.com/carverssteakhouse This restaurant had only recently opened when we visited, and it is sure to stay around.

Great steaks, amazing lobster bisque and other offerings with impeccable service. Fine for children, but a more upscale experience.

birminghamparent.com | 31

25 Amazing Birthday Party Locations

By Katy M. Clark

Your child’s next birthday is fast approaching and you’re wondering where to hold the party.

Perhaps the thought of having it at home makes you break out in a cold sweat. Maybe it is simply not an option. And with all the Covid restrictions, it is harder than ever to know where to go.

As the mother of two kids, now a teen and tween, I’ve spent over a decade attending or hosting birthday parties at over two dozen spots. There truly is a place for everyone and every budget. Check out this list of 25 amazing locations for your child’s next birthday party and get ready to celebrate!

(But keep in mind, some locations MAY be limited due to the pandemic.)

• Take your group to a local sporting event, such as a minor league baseball game.

• Visit a zoo or petting zoo.

• Go to a swimming pool, water park or splash pad.

• Try the local park where you can rent a pavilion as home base while the kids run around.

• Think about special events in your town. Piggyback your party on an outdoor summer concert or a viewing of the holiday parade.

• Go to the movies.

• Take a walk or hike at a nature 32 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

center or botanical garden, where you can learn about the outdoors and celebrate with a picnic.

• Have a party at the fire station. Our local fire station offers short tours for kids, lets them climb on the trucks, and passes out free firefighter hats. Be prepared that the party could be cut short in the event of an actual fire!

• Visit an orchard in the summer for fruit picking or pick pumpkins at a pumpkin patch in the fall.

• Most children’s museums welcome birthday parties.

• Craft stores often let kids pick a craft and include supplies and a guide to instruct kids in making the craft.

• How about Build-a-Bear Workshop?

• Visit a laser tag venue.

• Go to the bowling alley. In our town, the bowling alley offers an affordable package that includes two games of bowling, shoe rental, pizza and a drink. Just show up with a cake or sweet treat for the end.

• Scale the highest heights at an indoor rock-climbing center.

• Celebrate at a mini golf venue.

• Try a martial arts studio, where kids can play games and learn age-appropriate skills.

• Go roller skating at a roller rink.

• Jump over to a trampoline park.

• What about the Humane Society or a cat cafe? Don’t forget to check for allergies first!

• Have the party at a bounce house or inflatables venue.

• Gymnastics clubs and gyms let you rent their space so kids can run, jump and play to their heart's content.

• Try an ice kating party. Many ice rinks offer party rooms and packages that include skate rentals and public skating for every child.

• Book a group session at a paint-ntake studio.

• Celebrate at any indoor play place, such as those found at play cafes or fast-food restaurants.

Finally, perhaps you are able to have a party at home, but are just too worried that your house isn’t big enough or exciting enough. In my experience, some of the best (and cheapest) birthday parties I ever hosted were in our home. The home parties pleased kids and parents alike!

Katy M. Clark is a writer who celebrates her imperfections as a mom at ExperiencedBadMom.com.

Summer Fun

CHILDREN'S HANDS-ON MUSEUM OF TUSCALOOSA Summer is a great time to experience the Children's HandsOn Museum of Tuscaloosa! Voted Best Museum for the past 6 years, CHOM encourages children to Explore, Create and Discover throughout our three floors of fun. Museum exhibits, STEAM theme Saturdays, CHOM at Home, birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and the BEST field trips are all waiting for newborns through age 13.

www.chomonline.org (205) 349-4235 Hours M-Sat 9-4:30

MISS KELLEY'S SCHOOL OF DANCE Established in 1983, Miss Kelley’s School of Dance has been offering a variety of competitive and recreational classes to students in Trussville and Oneonta for almost 40 years!

Facilities include large studios with full length mirrors, ballet barres, surround-sound systems, large video screens and sprung wooden and marley floors to prevent injuries. Instructors are dedicated to creating a safe,

family friendly environment in which the students have fun while learning the proper skills and technique needed for advancement.

Miss Kelley’s believes in the importance of choosing wholesome music, costumes and choreography. Classes are live streamed so that parents may observe their child at all times, or a dancer can join in from home!

Subjects offered for ages 2 1/2

and up include tap, ballet, pointé, lyrical, contemporary, clogging, hip-hop, jazz, musical theater, mommy and me, acro, colorguard, and dance line prep. Summer classes and camps offer courses not regularly taught during the year. Family discounts are given and everyone is always welcome to try a free class! You may find out more information by visiting www.misskelleys.com.

The Birmingham Zoo lives through its mission of Inspiring Passion to Conserve the Natural World every day by supporting conservation of rare species both locally and globally in a variety of ways. From participating in the rehabilitation of sea lions off the California coast, to surveying the Cahaba River for North American river otters, to cutting-edge elephant research right here on Zoo grounds, we are committed to conservation. A portion of the proceeds from every admission

ticket and Zoo Membership goes toward the Zoo’s conservation efforts.

Be sure to bring your family and friends over to the Birmingham Zoo and meet the neighbors!

ww.misskelleys.com TRUSSVILLE 202 Ted Martin Cir, 205-655-7776 ONEONTA 105 3rd Ave E 205-625-6791

BIRMINGHAM ZOO The Birmingham Zoo is proud to be one of Alabama’s top tourist attractions. With approximately 550 animals of 180 species, including sea lions, rhinos, elephants, and endangered species from six continents, the Birmingham Zoo’s 122-acre site is the perfect place to visit any time of the year. With animal activities like feeding the lorikeets at the MyEyeDr. Lorikeet Aviary and the guest favorite Red Diamond Express Train, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

www.birminghamzoo.com

VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM Lone Pine Mine #3 Is Open The local iron industry that our beloved Vulcan represents would not have been possible without lots of mining. VPM is lucky enough to have an old iron ore mine on site. This small mine produced soft red hematite, which was loaded onto railcars and shipped down into the valley to local furnaces and foundries to create iron. Although the mine has been closed since the early

1900s, thanks to many sponsors, VPM has officially opened the mine entrance so visitors can peek inside and get a small glimpse into what it was like to be a miner in the early days of Birmingham.

Share Your Love of Vulcan Show your support of Vulcan Park & Museum with the purchase of our new ‘STAND WITH VULCAN’ specialty license

plate. This tag will provide valuable funding to support Vulcan Park & Museum’s mission to preserve and promote Vulcan as the symbol for the Birmingham region, to advance knowledge & understanding of Birmingham’s history, and to encourage exploration of the region. $50 at VISITVULCAN.COM. VisitVulcan.com

birminghamparent.com | 33

Summer Fun

10 Great Summer Fun Destinations A GAS TANK (OR A LITTLE MORE!) AWAY

By Carol Muse Evans

Maybe you are staying close to home this summer because of Covid-19. Maybe the budget is tight, or you just don’t have time off to take a longer trip.

We’ve got you covered with some great destination ideas that are just a short drive away, and maybe even just a gas tank away! There are a few where you might even want to grab a hotel for the night and make your visit longer.

Alabama Adventure & Alabama Splash Adventure Bessemer, AL

It’s been here a long time and been through a few name changes, and it’s right in our backyard in Birmingham. If you haven’t been in a few years, you are missing out. Since the Koch family took it over, it had grown to its best yet park and improved! And did we mention free fountain drinks, free sunscreen and free parking?

The park is well-run and immaculate, and many in our area don’t visit just a day, they buy a season pass! With an amazing water park and more than 25 attractions, you could spend a day or more here!

Visit https://alabamaadventure.com/ for days and hours open, as well as ticket pricing for both parks at one low price.

U.S Space & Rocket Center Huntsville, AL

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. They have one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia on display anywhere in the world. Open since 1970, the center is a treasure trove of space travel memorabilia, activities and so much more.

Be sure to spend some time on their website before planning your trip, www.rocketcenter. com, because there are so many options. Of course, you can find days, hours and ticket pricing here, as well.

Cook Museum of Natural Science Decatur, AL

This state-of-the art, hands-on facility means more education and fun for future generations, and Cook can compete with the best of other children’s museums, with a friendly design, fun for all ages and an inviting flow of information as you walk through.

Enjoy numerous family-friendly, hands-on exhibits, climb through the cave and other interactive exhibits and there’s even an indoor playground to let off a little energy. All the while, you are learning about nature. It’s great fun for all ages, and there’s even things for the smaller set. The learning doesn’t stop when you walk out of the museum. The museum website, www.cookmuseum.org, is full of educational information, worksheets, videos, coloring pages, “two-minute science” and more, a great help to teachers and homeschoolers, as well as kids who just want to know more. Check the website for days and times open and admission pricing.

34 34 || birminghamparent birminghamparent || may may // june june 2021 2021

Point Mallard Waterpark Decatur, AL

This year Point Mallard celebrates 50 years.

Ivy Green

Tuscumbia, AL If you’re looking for an inspirational story, visit Ivy Green, a historic house museum.

Built in 1820, Ivy Green was the birthplace and childhood home of Helen Keller, the famous deaf-blind author and speaker.

A National Historic Landmark honoring Keller's life, it is now a museum open to the public. A great time to visit is June 24-27 during the Helen Keller Festival. Learn more about days and times open, festivals and ticketing at www.helenkellerbirthplace. org. Learn more about the festival at https:// helenkellerfestival.com/site/.

This water park was in Alabama when it was unusual for us to have a water park. Though closed due to Covid-19 in 2020, plans are to open in May. The Point Mallard Waterpark is home of America’s First Wave Pool. The park also features a pro bowl slide, towering sky pond and speed slide, three flume tube rides, an Olympic pool and sandy beach with complimentary beach loungers, a kids area featuring the Squirt Factory and duck pond, concessions and gift shop, and a scenic lagoon. The park offers day parties and birthday parties during regular business hours and can be reserved exclusively for group parties.

Be sure to check for open days, times and pricing/admission at www. pointmallardpark.com.

Ave Maria Grotto

There's also an opportunity to get outdoors with the DISL's marine educators to explore the salt marsh, walk the beach, and take a tour of Mobile Bay on the Research Vessel Alabama Discovery. Excursions, day camps, Sea Lab Science Fridays, and Ocean Explorer Saturdays give everyone a chance to discover something new. Plan your visit today and check website for days/times open and ticket pricing, www. disl.edu/.

Cullman, AL

The Ave Maria Grotto is located on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, the only Benedictine monastery of men in the state of Alabama. The Abbey was founded in 1891.

The Grotto consists of a landscaped hillside of 125 small stone and cement structures, the handiwork of the creative genius, Brother Joseph Zoetl, O.S.B., a monk of the Abbey for almost 70 years.

Brother Joseph Zoetl was born in 1878 in the town of Landshut, Bavaria. In 1892 he came to the newly founded St. Bernard Abbey where his monastic life was spent in prayer and in laboring in the Abbey power house. When not busy shoveling coal into the furnaces, Brother took time to construct miniature buildings using stone, concrete, and unwanted donated materials, e.g., broken plates, costume jewelry, ceramic tile, beads, marbles, seashells, etc. His creations were moved to the present site in 1934.

Brother Joseph, who died in 1961, is buried in the Abbey Cemetery, final resting place of the monks of the Abbey. The cemetery is one hundred yards north of the Grotto Gift Shop, and the path leading to it is across the Grotto parking lot. Visitors are welcome to visit Zoetl’s grave.

Check website for hours and days open and ticketing, www.avemariagrotto.com.

Noccalula Falls Park and Campground Gadsden, AL

The park offers beautiful rocks and gardens as you walk the park’s paved trail system.

Ride the authentic Huntington miniature train.

Children can get up close to the animals in the petting zoo and learn about life in the past in the Pioneer Village. Other offerings in the park include picnic pavilions, souvenir shop and a children’s playground. Noccalula Falls Miniature Golf Course, for a separate admission, features beautiful landscaping with cascading waterfalls and natural rock formations.

The campground offers over 120 sites from primitive tent camping to pull-throughs with complete hook-ups. A swimming pool, laundry facility, picnic pavilions, rec room, playground and rental cabins are available. The campground sits along Black Creek Gorge and offers awesome views of the falls, the gorge, and the creek below. For information, ticket pricing and days/times of admission, visit www.noccalulafallspark.com.

Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Bird Sanctuary Dauphin Island, AL

Take a dive into our oceans at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the state of Alabama's marine science research and education center. The public aquarium takes you on a journey through the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Mobile Bay, along the barrier islands, and into the Gulf of Mexico. With more than 100 species on display, you'll be able to peer into the eyes of an alligator, an octopus, stingrays, and more.

OWA

Foley, AL OWA’s gated amusement park – The Park at OWA – is ready to be your new favorite spot.

Be captivated by the vibrant rollercoasters or lose yourself in competitive games. Jump on Air Racer and get your fill of speedy thrills. Looking for a more traditional park

Summer Fun

experience? Take the teacups for a spin. Enjoy park food and some of the great restaurants in Downtown OWA including the famous Paula’s Dean’s Family Kitchen. Come for the day, or stay overnight or a few days at Marriott TownPlace Suites, right on the property and within walking distance of all of OWA. For days and hours of operation, as well as tickets, visit https://visitowa.com. And watch their calendar for many special events throughout the summer.

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park Mobile, AL

The state of Alabama designated this state memorial park to honor the Alabamians who participated in armed conflicts in the U.S. as a permanent public memorial. It serves to educate the public on the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.

Today, it is also a fun place to visit not only the Battleship USS ALABAMA, but also the submarine USS DRUM, numerous rare and historic aircrafts, tanks and other military equipment.

There are almost too many exhibits to mention here, but be sure to visit the website to plan your trip and check out days/hours of admission, www.ussalabama.com.

Carol Muse Evans is publisher and editor of Birmingham Parent.

LET BIRMINGHAM PARENT SEND YOU THERE! Birmingham Parent’s Family Fun Giveaway Win 4 tickets to the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, AL, 4 tickets to Ivy Green in Tuscumbia, AL, 4 tickets to OWA, or 4 tickets to Alabama Adventure & Alabama Splash Adventure in Bessemer. Tickets are good during 2021 for all prizes. Deadline to enter is midnight, June 15, 2021. Winners cannot win multiple prizes. Only one prize given per winner. We will draw prizes on several different days during May and June, and winners will be contacted via email, along with announcements on social media.

Enter today at www.Birminghamparent. com/directory/FamilyFunGiveaway birminghamparent.com | 35

Are Your Children Protected?

VS

36 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

SPEND TIME

BIG GUY SHOP LEARN

SEE

VISITVULCAN.COM | 205.933.1409

birminghamparent.com | 37

Deadline to nominate is Sept. 13 2021 38 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

T

VA

ED

GE

?

WH

U YO

Y

O U H LD S

CCIN

T A

• It’s safe, simple, and free of charge.

• It could keep you from getting COVID-19. If you still get COVID-19, it could keep you from becoming seriously ill.

• It will help you do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of your family, your friends and your community.

• It’s an mRNA vaccine. These types of vaccines have been studied for more than two decades to evaluate their safety and effectiveness.

• It’s the first step toward life returning to normal.

alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19

birminghamparent.com | 39

ASK T H E S P E C I AL I ST

sponsored by

Parent’s Guide to the NICU

By Christina Stoops, DO, MPH, FAAP

• Sleep apnea, which occurs when the baby doesn’t take a breath in 20 seconds or longer.

• Bradycardia, an abnormally slow heart rate.

• Intraventricular hemorrhage, or bleeding in the brain.

• Jaundice, an elevated bilirubin level in the blood.

• Necrotizing enterocolitis, a common intestinal condition.

New parents look forward to bringing their baby home with them from the hospital. But on occasion, problems arise and some babies have to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before being discharged. This can be an overwhelming time for parents, but this is actually the safest place for babies because they will be cared for by experienced doctors and nurses so they can go home as healthy as possible.

Babies may be admitted to the NICU when they are born prematurely, have difficulties during delivery, or show signs of problems shortly after birth.

The length of time infants spend on the NICU will depend on the severity of their illness. Some conditions that may require a stay in the NICU include: • Difficulties with breathing, such as respiratory distress syndrome (breathing problem that may be seen in premature infants), transient tachypnea of the newborn (delay is the body absorbing fluid from birth), or a pneumothorax (air in the lungs that should not be there) • Infections of the blood, skin, or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)

40 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

• Failure to gain weight; , also called failure to thrive • Hypothermia, low body temperature In addition to neonatologists (pediatricians that specialize in caring for infants in the NICU), other members of a baby’s NICU team may include neonatal nurse practitioners (nurses with advanced practice caring for premature infants), nurses, various specialists, physical and/or occupational therapist, respiratory therapist, nutritionist, pharmacist, lab technician and social worker.

These caregivers may utilize a wide variety of equipment found in the NICU to care for these infants. Depending on the diagnosis and condition, they may need to use a feeding tube to deliver formula or breast milk, infant warmer to keep a baby warm, isolette to help an infant maintain body temperature, IVs and lines for fluids and medications, blood pressure and heart rate monitors to watch vital signs, pulse oximeter to check oxygen levels, bili lights to treat jaundice, or a ventilator to help a baby breathe.

Everyone entering the NICU must wash their hands to help keep the NICU environment as clean as possible so

Babies may be admitted to the NICU when they are born prematurely, have difficulties during delivery, or show signs of problems shortly after birth. babies won’t be exposed to infections.

In some situations, a gown also may be necessary, as well as a mask and gloves.

Even with these precautions, parents can still interact and bond with their newborn in the NICU. Depending on the health of the infant, parents can hold their child or, if that is not possible, hold the baby’s hand, stroke his or her head, or sing softly to him or her.

Because many babies in the NICU are not ready to feed from the breast, they can still receive breast milk through a feeding tube. New mothers should start pumping as soon as possible to establish their milk supply. In certain situations, breast milk donated from other mothers from a certified milk bank can also provide this nutrition. As newborns gain strength and become more coordinated, they can then be put to the breast.

Parents who choose to bottle feed can talk with the NICU team for recommendations about formula options. For more information about NICUs, visit the March of Dimes website at www. marchofdimes.com.

It can often be difficult for parents whose infants may need to spend an extended period of time in the NICU. Emotions including fear, anger and , guilt are not uncommon. Speaking to baby’s physician or nurse about your fears and questions can alleviate some of these feelings.

Christina Stoops, DO, MPH, FAAP, is the medical director of the NICU at Princeton Baptist Medical Center.

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

ppyhealthykidsfair 2016 SATURDAY, AUGUST 7 10 A.M. - 2 P.M.

Grab your whole family and come join the virtual fun!!

Have a VIRTUAL visit with all the amazing vendors and find great info on health, exercise, education, sports, extra-curricular activities and more!

SPONSORS

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF HAPPY HEALTHY KIDS FAIR CONTACT 205-624-2405 OR HTTPS://BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM/DIRECTORY/2021HAPPY-HEALTHY-KIDS-FAIR/ birminghamparent.com | 41

NATI ONA L C L ASS I F I E D AD S

SAPA CLASSIFIEDS FOR MAY/JUNE EDUCATION / INSTRUCTION

Attention Active Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a

new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 833-970-3466 FINANCIAL

Over $10K in debt? Be debt free in 24-48 months. Pay a fraction of what you owe. A+ BBB rated. Call National Debt Relief 866-949-0934.

ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 844-606-1554 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST) INTERNET SERVICES

4G LTE Home Internet Now Available! Get GotW3 with lightning fast speeds plus take your service with you when you travel! As low as $109.99/ mo! 866-729-7823 MISCELLANEOUS

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today.

15% off Entire Purchase. 10%

Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-888-927-8649 HughesNet Satellite Internet 25mbps starting at $49.99/mo!

Get More Data FREE Off-Peak Data. FAST download speeds.

WiFi built in! FREE Standard Installation for lease customers!

Limited Time, Call 1-855-9423256

Guaranteed Life Insurance! (Ages 50 to 80). No medical exam. Affordable premiums never increase. Benefits never decrease. Policy will only be canceled for non-payment.

1-866-915-2530 The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system.

SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-855-913-2156

Applying for Social Security Disability or Appealing a Denied Claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc. Our case managers simplify the process & work hard to help with your case.

Call 1-844-408-7325 FREE Consultation. Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)] A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR, RUNNING OR NOT!! FAST FREE PICKUP. Maximum tax deduction. Support United Breast Cancer Fdn programs.

Your car donation could save a life. 855-701-6346 BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 877-925-9682 COMPUTER ISSUES? GEEKS ON SITE provides FREE diagnosis REMOTELY 24/7 SERVICE DURING COVID19. No home visit necessary. $40 OFF with coupon 86407! Restrictions apply. 844-315-8054 Attention: Oxygen Users!

Gain freedom with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator! No more heavy tanks and refills!

Guaranteed Lowest Prices! Call the Oxygen Concentrator Store: 844-866-4793 BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing.

Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 877-6616587 COMPUTER ISSUES? GEEKS ON SITE provides FREE diagnosis REMOTELY 24/7 SERVICE DURING COVID19. No hoe visit necessary. $40 OFF with coupon 86407! Restrictions apply 844-866-8054.

EXPIRES SOON: Switch to ISH + get a 2 YEAR PRICE LOCK!!

Plus get Free Premium Channels for 3 mo. Free Installation (up to 6 rooms_! 866-393-1134 Cable Price Increase Again?

Switch To DIRECTV & Save +

get a $100 visa gift card! Get More Channels For Less Money.

Restrictions apply. Call Now! 1-888-520-2338 Never Pay For Covered Home Repairs Again! Complete Care Home Warranty COVERS ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE. $200.00 OFF + 2 FREE Months! 1-866-553-1696 Hours Mon-Thu, Sun : 9:30 am to 8:00 pm Fri : 9:30 am to 2:00 pm(all times Eastern) Renown Writer will write your life Story. Short stories to novels at reasonable rates! Referral commission promptly paid.

Seniors discounts. Call Jay: 805-794-9126 www.OneGlobePress.com SATELLITE TV DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 7/21/21. 1-855-977-7405 TIMESHARE CANCELLATION Avoid Timeshare Cancellation Scams. Consumer protection attorney will get you a legal low flat fee cancellation for less, with a 100% money back guarantee. TimeShareBeGone has an A+BBB rating and 5 star reviews. To request a quote, call 1-800-223-1770 or go to: outlegally.com

THE FOLLOWING ADS HAVE NOT BEEN SCREENED BY THE SOUTHEASTERN ADVERTISING PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION (SAPA); Therefore, any discrepancies thereof shall not be the responsibility of the aforementioned association. Your publisher has agreed to participate in this program and run these ads as a service to the Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association.

Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!

833-953-0224

FREE

7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!

Offer valid February 15 - June 6, 2021

Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval

*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.

42 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

Dental Insurance Get dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company to help cover the services you’re most likely to use – Cleanings

X-rays

Fillings

Crowns

1-866-694-6148

Dentures

Here’s the information you requested on Dental insurance FIRST-CLASS MAIL

Call now to get this FREE Information Kit! dental50plus.com/southern

l

Product not available in all states. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-888-7994433 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN).

6154-0120

l

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY /JUNE 2021 FUN WAYS TO CELEBRATE MAY AND JUNE 2021 The May/June 2021 event forecast seems to be picking up a bit with a few more in-person events, but still a number of virtual ones.

Don’t miss checking our online calendar at https:// birminghamparent.com/ directory/events/#!/ for the most up-to-date listings as the summer progresses! (And did you know you can ADD your great events here, too?)

Following are some editor’s picks and highlights from our current calendar.

And watch our calendar for some great Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebration ideas.

May 5, Wednesday Regions Tradition

Noon, Greystone Golf & Country Club 2021 Bowl-a-palooza

to benefit Ronald McDonald House

6:30-10pm, Vestavia Bowl

12 Saturday Hydrangeas Under the Stars 5-8pm, Aldridge Gardens.

18 Friday Euphonious Music Festival

5:30-10:30pm, Birmingham Zoo, Henley Park lawn birminghamparent.com | 43

MAY CALENDAR

Due to the pandemic, all events may not be up to date nor have accurate times.

Some events may even be canceled. Note, many events currently are VIRTUAL. Be sure to check ahead with the actual venue.

12 Saturday Hydrangeas Under the Stars 5-8pm, Aldridge Gardens.

ASFA Music Department Junior and Senior Recital 3:20-4pm, ASFA Recital Hall, www.asfa.k12.al.us.

UAB Connections Support Group 10:30am-noon, Callahan Eye Hospital. UAB Connections provides a combination of educational, social, and recreational/leisure activities for adults with various eye disorders as well as their family and close friends. 205488-0778, calendar.uab.edu.

5 Wednesday 1 Saturday Telling Her Story: High School Girls Writing Workshop 1pm, virtual. ArtPlay Community Art Education.

A group for young women focusing on creative writing in a collaborative atmosphere.

Meetings will be over Zoom, and participants ages 14-18 are welcome. Space limited; register. www. birmingham365.org or www.alysstephens.org. Free ArtPlay Kids 10-11am, virtual. Actor and educator Jennifer Salvant guides participants through the basics of theatre.

Students will learn theatre games, improvisation, monologues, scene work and voice and diction. Ages 7-12, calendar.uab.edu.

Dance Move Noon, DJDT Theatre. www.asfa.k12.al.us.

Birmingham Bulls vs Pensacola Ice Flyers 7pm, Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena. www. birmingham365.org. $38.

Southeastern Outings Canoe and Kayak Trip 8am, meet at Hayden/Corner Park to go to Richland Creek near Prospect, TN. No dogs or smoking allowed. For more information on this trip, call Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680 or seoutings@bellsouth.net. www.birmingham365.org.

Tappers Performance Noon. Information www.alabamaballet.org You Sleuth Augmented Reality Detective Experience 10am-6pm, virtual. You Sleuth combines the classic detective game of Clue with the augmented reality of Pokemon Go to create a brand-new game experience. www.eventbrite.com. $25

2 Sunday Career Event-Miles College Students & 2020 Grads 7am-7pm, virtual. www. eventbrite.com. Free

4 Tuesday Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting 5:30-6:30pm, online. Open to anyone seeking recovery.

Zoom meeting ID: 869-4566003, calendar.uab.edu.

Regions Tradition Noon, Greystone Golf & Country Club, An Official Major Championship on the PGA TOUR Champions. May 5-9. http://www.hooveral. org/calendar.aspx?EID=7561, www.hooveral.org.

Southeastern Outings Dayhike on the Pinhoti Trail 8:45am, meet at Leeds Hwy. 78 gravel parking lot. A 5.6-mile out-and-back hike located near Heflin. Optional dinner after. Information, contact Francis Rushton 205-290-5557 or ferushton@ gmail.com. www.seoutings. org.

6 Thursday Southeastern Outings Dayhike 9:45am, meet at McDonald’s Galleria. A dayhike on the Piper Interpretive Trail and the Cahaba Loop Trail.

Moderately easy. Children age 9 and older welcome.

Information, Dan Frederick, email seoutings@bellsouth. net, 205-631-4680.

Library Theatre Presents: Laurel Canyon in concert 7:30-9:30pm, Hoover Public Library. Laurel

Canyon originates from its intersection with Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood and slices its way through the Hollywood Hills. The show is a 90-minute retrospective of music and stories of some of the most influential artists of the era. Information, http:// www.hooveral.org

7 Friday Advanced Class Performance 6:30-7:40pm, www. alabamaballet.org.

Dance Department - Spring Performance 1-3pm, DJDT Theatre, Alabama School of Fine Arts. www.asfa.k12.al.us.

Softball: UAB vs Southern Miss 6pm, UAB Mary Bowers Field. www.birmingham365.org. $3-$10.

8 Saturday Dance Department - Spring Performance & Reception 7-9:30pm, DJDT Theatre, Alabama School of Fine Arts. www.asfa.k12.al.us.

Southeastern Outings Dayhike 8:45am, meet at Leeds Highway 78 gravel parking lot. A moderate 6-mile hike in one of the interesting parts of the Talladega National Forest, mostly on the Pinhoti Trail. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 7 and older welcome. Bring water and picnic lunch.

Optional dinner after.

Information, Francis Rushton, 205-290-5557, ferushton@ gmail.com.

PLEASE NOTE: Calendar information should be uploaded to our website at https://portal.cityspark.com/EventEntry/EventEntry/BirminghamParent and may appear in print if uploaded by deadline. You may also go to www.birminghamparent.com and simply click on the calendar icon. Entries added online after the print deadline will not appear in the print version. Information cannot be accepted over the phone.

Birmingham Parent publishes a calendar 6 times a year. January events are included in the November/December issue. Deadline for the July/August 2021 issue is June 7, 2021.

Guidelines: Birmingham Parent’s calendar is intended to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fundraisers, free classes, etc., are events that may be included in our monthly calendar. We reserve the right to reject any event or listing due to rules or space restrictions. For questions regarding calendar entries, call 205-624-2405 or e-mail calendar@birminghamparent.com.

44 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

9 Sunday – Mother’s Day

11 Tuesday Weight Loss Support Group 10-11am, virtual. Grandview Medical Center virtual support group via Google Meet for those who have had bariatric surgery or want more information on weight loss surgery. www.eventbrite.com.

Free

14 Friday 2021 Bowl-a-palooza 6:30-10pm, Vestavia Bowl.

Join the RMHCA Student Leadership Council (SLC) for the 8th Annual Bowl-apalooza to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Registration includes 3 hours of unlimited bowling, shoe rental and an event t-shirt. To sponsor or for more information, contact Stephanie Langford, 205-6387261 or www.rmhca.org.

19 Wednesday

JUNE CALENDAR

Dance Department - Senior Recognition 2-4:40pm, Black Box Theater, www.asfa.k12.al.us.

Homeschool STEM Labs by McWane Science Center 9:30-11:30am, McWane Science Center. Information, 205-714-8300, www. eventbrite.com. Free

21 Friday Barber Historics 6am-3pm, Barber Motorsports Park, Barber Historics returns to the Barber Motorsports Park. www.facebook.com.

22 Saturday Southeastern Outings Cahaba Lily Walk 9:45am, meet at McDonald’s Galleria. These lilies are a sight to behold! In places, it often looks like it has snowed on the river in May. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 7 and over welcome. The hike is about five miles round trip. Rated easy. Wear old, sturdy footwear and bring picnic lunch and drink. Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, or seoutings@bellsouth.net for more information. Free

JUNE 2021 4 Friday Barber Small Bore Motorcycles 8am-5pm, Barber Motorsports Park. Event June 4-6 features small capacity motorcycles, including an endurance race with @Sportbiketracktime.

Camping, swap meet, racing and great rides. www. facebook.com.

The Dinner Detective Interactive Mystery Dinner Show 6-9pm, 8 Perimeter Park S. America's Largest Interactive Mystery Dinner Show! Tackle a hilarious and challenging crime while you feast. www. eventbrite.com. $59.99

10 Thursday

Southeastern Outings Kayak/ Canoe Trip 8:45am, meet at Applebee's Restaurant Trussville. Trip to Tallapoosa River, a scenic stretch of river located in a very rural area. Information, Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680.

Zero Gravity Basketball Tournament Noon, Hoover Met Complex. http://www.hooveral.org/ calendar.aspx?EID=7565, www.hooveral.org.

25 Tuesday

11 Friday

Vocabby's World: The Five Senses 10:30-11:30am, virtual. Beep Beep! Join Vocabby’s World® and your ArtPlay friends to learn new vocabulary words about the five senses. Ages 0-5 years. Tune in using any electronic device. www. facebook.com.

SEC Baseball Tournament & Fan Fest Noon, Hoover Met Complex.

The top 12 teams will battle it out on the road to Omaha. http://www.hooveral.org/ calendar.aspx?EID=7569, www.hooveral.org.

More Fire Crossfit: Fabulous Fit Fierce Women's Fitness/ Self Defense 5:30-6:30pm, More Fire CrossFit. www.eventbrite.com. $5 - $50

17 Monday Weekly Gentle Yoga 6:30-7:30pm, City of Chelsea Senior Center. Suitable for all ages and levels. Donationbased class. All proceeds after expenses are donated to a cause/charity. www.eventbrite. com. Free

31 Monday – Memorial Day

13 Sunday Annie F. Downs - That Sounds Fun Podcast Tour 7:30pm, Mountaintop Community Church. Free

14 Monday – Flag Day

5 Saturday

Million Dollar Quartet 5:30-7pm, Virginia Samford Theatre. Million Dollar Quartet is the Tony® Award-winning smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock and roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for the first and only time in 1956. Shows June 10-27, Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:30pm.

Tickets: $40 general admission social distance seating, $20 students. www.facebook.com.

15 Saturday

Gardens. http://www.hooveral. org/calendar.aspx?EID=7582, www.hooveral.org.

18 Friday Euphonious Music Festival 5:30-10:30pm, Birmingham Zoo, Henley Park lawn. A new tech-minded music festival to be held June 18-20 over Father’s Day weekend.

Information, tickets, seating, 205-879-0409, www. birminghamzoo.com.

I’m With Mike Virtual 5K 8am-8pm, virtual. Celebrate your fathers, sons, uncles, brothers, partners and friends, get outside and enjoy life with your family and friends to honor all those whose lives have been impacted by prostate cancer. Increase awareness and raise funding for research for the Mike Slive Foundation. Register at ImWithMike5K.com.

20 Sunday – Father’s Day

12 Saturday Hydrangeas Under the Stars 5-8pm, Aldridge Gardens. Join us for Hoover's social event of the year. Make plans now to be a part of our premier annual fundraiser and garden gala.

Enjoy a special evening of great food and entertainment with both silent and live auctions, all to benefit Aldridge birminghamparent.com | 45

EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS MAY/JUNE 2021 Due to the pandemic, many attractions may not be open or may have abbreviated times.

Be sure to check ahead.

Aldridge Botanical Gardens 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover 205-682-8019 www.aldridgegardens.com

Birmingham Botanical Gardens www.bbgardens.org/documents/treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham. 205-414-3900, www.bbgardens.org Birmingham Children’s Theatre 1001 19th St. N., Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org

Alabama School of Fine Arts 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd., www.asfa.k12.al.us

Alabama Wildlife Center 100 Terrace Dr., Pelham 205-663-7930, www.awrc.org

Jefferson County Library Cooperative Find a library close to you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment. www.jclc.org McWane Science Center Home School STEM Labs. On May 19 from 9:30-11:30am, McWane offers a STEM lab for home schoolers grades 1-7.

Register at www.mcwane.org.

200 19th St. N., Birmingham.

205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org.

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame 1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham 205-254-2731, www.jazzhall.com

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame 2150 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham 323-6665, www.ashof.org

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 Ninth St., Calera 205-668-3435 www.hodrrm.org

Moss Rock Preserve Preserve Pkwy., Hoover 205-739-7141, www.hooveral.org Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 16th St. N., Birmingham.

205-328-9696, www.bcri.org Birmingham Museum of Art Bart’s Art Cart! Free drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from galleries and art activity each month. Saturdays from 11am-1pm.

Bart’s Books. A storytelling program for children ages 4-7.

2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-254-2565 www.artsbma.org

Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Dr., Pelham 205-620-2520, www.alapark.com.

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham 205-833-8264, www.ruffnermountain.org.

Shelby County Public Libraries Find a library near you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment. www.shelbycounty-al.org Southern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham, 205-8338226, www.southernmuseumofflight.org

American Village Highway 119, Montevallo.

205-665-3535 www.americanvillage.org

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, 12632 Confederate Pkwy., McCalla.

205-477-5711. www.tannehill.org

Birmingham Public Libraries Find a library near you for fun events and enrichment! www.bplonline.org Barber Motorsports Park 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy., Leeds.

205-298-9040, www.barbermotorsports. com

46 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021

Birmingham Zoo 2630 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham. 205-879-0409 www.birminghamzoo.com

Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Dr., Birmingham 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org

Comprehensive women’s health services.

Unlimited caring included.

A COMMUNITY BUILT ON SUPPORT We never forget that there’s more to care than medicine.

Things like compassion, attentiveness and kindness are important too. So, rest assured that when it comes to your health, all of us are here to treat you well.

Find a physician at BrookwoodWomensMedicalCenter.com birminghamparent.com | 47

48 | birminghamparent | may / june 2021